Okay, before I even get started on my review, I must admit to you, the reader, that this was one of the most anticipated figures in my household. Let's face it...the diminuitive Jawa has simply not had a good version done since 1978. The 1995-1997 POTF2 three-pack that included two Jawas and a Gonk Droid were horrible. But apparently not horrible enough because they saw repackaging in the 2003 Suncoast Exclusive Sandcrawler. But Hasbro has once again redeemed itself in the form of the 30th Anniversary Jawa. Even back when I first saw the prelimenary high-res pics, I saw how the articulation had been completely rehauled. I was impressed even before I had actually laid hands on one of these figures. But in the interest of the review, I will endeavor to be as objective as possible...

This Jawa isn't uber-articulated like the new Stormtrooper, but the trade-off is that multiples of this figure can be redone to represent many different Jawas with individual looks (more on that later). 5 ball-socket joints (neck, shoulders, and elbows), one straight-cut joint (torso) and 2 swivel-cut joints (wrists) give the Jawa a whole range of motion that has never been possible before. The only drawback to the new sculpt is the fact that the entire lower torso/legs is one solid piece with rubber plastic robes covering them. None of these new Jawas can sit down in any way, shape or form. But that's not necessarily a major issue because these creatures are the Star Wars equivalent to 4 year olds with ADHD...never staying put for any given length of time.

I have fairly little to say about the paint app except to say that its superbly done. The black gloves and face are cleanly done and the bright yellow eyes definitely stand out against the rest of the brown and black around the face. Awesome job there, Hasbro...

For a 2.5 inch figure, the Jawa comes with a Sandcrawler's worth of accessories...and is even missing one that apparenly SHOULD have been included. As I mentioned earlier, the Jawa can be reconfigured to represent different Jawas, due to the inclusion of a removable vest and removable double-bandolier. Some Jawas can go without either of these accessories, while some could simply wear the bandoliers; while still others could only wear the vests...the sky's the limit! The bandoliers have two holsters, one for a DL-22 blaster (?) and one for a non-existent droid caller. Why Hasbro would go through the trouble of molding a holster for a droid caller and then not including it is beyond me...but I just review these things. Hopefully, we may see an accessory pack later on that would include the Ionization Rifle and droid caller. He also comes with an LIN Demolition Droid. This is probably the neatest part of the package, beyond the figure itself. The droid comes with two antennae, a "shower head" sensor array, and a posable manipulator arm. The clear-grey dome is removable and the internal mechanics of the droid are visible underneath. I was surprised to see that Hasbro had put so much thought into what would have been considered a throw-away item by many collectors.

Overall, the Jawa is definitely an army-builder in its own right. Its not necessarily Stormie or Clone Trooper status, but I know many people will be snapping up multiples of this gem once they find them. Just keep your eyes peeled for them before they strip your car down to its chassis...